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Eruptions in Iceland

20th and 21st century eruptions in Iceland

Smokin Wheels

Iceland has more volcanic activity than anywhere else on Earth. The Atlantic Ocean ridge lies through Iceland and the island is a proclaimed hot spot for there is a constant flow from mantle to surface of molten magma in Iceland. One third of all material that comes from volcanic activities on Earth are generated in Icelandic eruptions. Although Iceland is a small country and the volcanic activity zone is even smaller, 33% of all of Earth's lava flows, flow through Icelandic volcanic systems.

On average an eruption occurs in Iceland every 4 years.

Eyjafjallajokull Lava

Last eruption that occurred in Iceland was in 2010, on Fimmvorduhals and in Eyjafjallajokull glacier. Prior to that Grimsfjoll in Vatnajokull glacier erupted in 2004 and Hekla volcano erupted in the year 2000. Hekla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes and erupted for instance in 1947, 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000. So it's likely that Hekla will erupt soon. At least it is considered that the volcano is due to erupt and that it could happen at any given moment.

Several other volcanic systems are also due to erupt and it is estimated that Iceland will have at least 5 major eruptions for the next 10 years. An eruption every other year.

Hekla Eruption

Extreme Iceland offers tours to the locations of the eruption where and when it occurs. The tours are under the supervision of experienced mountain guides and Geologists. It doesn't matter where in Iceland the eruption may happen or when, we will take you to the spectacle of raw power erupting from the ground.

Eruptions in Iceland in the 20th and 21st centuries:

2014-2015: Holuhraun (Bárðarbunga) 31 Aug - 27 Feb

2011: Grimsvotn (21 May - 28 May)

2010: Eyjafjallajokull (14 Apr - 23 May)

2010: Fimmvorduhals (20 Mar - 13 Apr)

2004: Grimsvotn (1 Nov - 6 Nov)

2000: Hekla (26 Feb - 7 Mar)

1998: Grimsvotn (18 Dec - 28 Dec)

1996: Gjalp (30 Sep - 14 Oct)

1991: Hekla

1984: Krafla

1983: Grimsvotn

1981: Krafla, 2 eruptions

1981: Hekla

1980: Hekla

1980: Krafla, 3 eruptions

1977: Krafla, 2 eruptions

1975: Krafla

1973: Sub-aquatic eruption about 5 kilometers south of Landeyjar in south Iceland.